Editorial volTA n. 3

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November 19, 2012 |
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Dear reader,

Welcome to the third issue of volTA, a magazine on Science, Technology and Society in Europe. VolTA is an initiative of fifteen Technology Assessment institutes that work together in the European PACITA project. Their aim is to contribute to responsible innovation. New technology makes our lives easier and helps us to explore problems but it also confronts society with questions and dilemmas. It is these questions that European Technology Assessment institutes address.

Nanotechnology is an example par excellence of an innovative technology that seems to offer great opportunities but at the same time raises questions and concerns. Is it safe? Well there’s no simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. When it comes to food using nanotechnology, consumers are particularly suspicious and cautious. The food industry’s secretive approach to product development does not allay these fears. TA-institutes in Europe have performed several studies on the public acceptance of nanotechnology. Unsurprisingly, transparency is the key. Consumers need to be informed about the benefits and risks of technology and involving people in the decision making process is critical.

The simple truth is that when consumers know what’s going on, when they understand the motives behind new developments – when their concerns are acknowledged – they are more likely to accept new products on the market. Only when governments and food companies take that into account will nanotechnology fulfil its promise.

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volTA magazine

volTA was a magazine on Science, Technology and Society in Europe, initiative of fifteen technology assessment organisations that worked together in the European PACITA project aimed at increasing the capacity and enhancing the institutional foundation for knowledge-based policy-making on issues involving science, technology and innovation. It was published between 2011 and 2015 in 8 numbers.